I’m back. Technology around me is crumblin’ but this website keeps on runnin’. Send some more ideas for out of print blues albums/discographies and I’ll see what I can do about putting them up as the Law hasn’t caught up with me yet.

I’ve been meaning to post about the new Ramblin’ Jack Elliot – I Stand Alone, which was released earlier this year on Anti-. It’s a fantastic collection of songs his daughter suggested for him to finally put on record. Jack’s voice is still strong – and his guitar playing hasn’t really diminished at all either. He is backed by Nels Cline (of Wilco among other projects) Flea, DJ Bonebrake (X) and Lucinda Williams/Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) on harmony. This track – Arthritis Blues is one of the more stripped down songs, and it comes off wonderfully. As a bonus – I also uploaded his take on our namesake, though it bares only slight resemblance to the Ma Rainey song we are named after.

I had the privilege of seeing Ramblin Jack last winter at Hugh’s Room in Toronto. It was the first time in years he’d played up here. It was a delightful show. These days, he tells a few more stories and sings a few fewer songs, but it’s all good, baby. I love the way Jack attacks a song. Fabulous. Thanks for posting these cuts!